North Korea has arrested top shipyard officials after a warship launch failed in front of Kim Jong Un, an incident he called a disgrace to the nation.
North Korean authorities have arrested several shipyard officials following a major accident during the launch of a 5,000-tonne warship, state media reported on Sunday.
The failed launch reportedly took place at the northeastern port of Chongjin and was witnessed by leader Kim Jong Un. He described the incident as damaging to the country’s dignity and pledged that those responsible would be punished.
State news agency KCNA said the chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard was among those detained as the investigation intensifies.
Satellite imagery from the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies shows the vessel covered in blue tarps, partially capsized with its stern in the harbor and the bow still on the slipway. Experts believe the mishap occurred in front of a large audience, causing public embarrassment for Kim who had intended the event as a display of military power.
Kim has ordered the ship to be repaired before an upcoming ruling party meeting in June. KCNA stated that work on the rehabilitation is already in progress.
In a separate dispatch, North Korea's defense ministry said the country's armed forces will firmly contain and control military threats from enemy states amid a growing US military presence in the region.
Read next
18:00
South Korea, the U.S., and Japan held their first joint air drills since President Lee Jae Myung took office, signalling security cooperation even as Seoul seeks renewed dialogue with North Korea.
13:30
Pyongyang has strongly condemned Washington's push for "strategic flexibility" of US forces in South Korea, warning it could spark regional conflict and accusing the U.S. of pursuing hegemony in the Asia-Pacific.
10:37
Russia & North Korea
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang "on special instructions" from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, he is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the Russian Security Council.
02:55
North Korea and Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirming his country’s steadfast support for Moscow.
02:00
North Korea has successfully raised a 5,000-ton naval destroyer that capsized during a failed launch in May.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment